Have you seen Redbox at one of your local hangouts? Redbox machines offer automated movie rentals at high-traffic locations in many communities. I have usually seen Redbox kiosks at such stores as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Walgreens, or other similar stores.
Why You Might Like Redbox
Redbox offers a cheap and easy method to get movie rentals. I have used Redbox in three cities, and in each, they charged $1 per movie per night, plus local tax. I don’t know any local video rental stores that can compete with that price. The $1 per night is not a promotion; that’s the standard price in the locations where I have used Redbox.
If you’ve never used Redbox but would like to give it a try, let me assure you it’s an easy process. If you can follow directions, you should be fine. The Redbox kiosks take you through the process step by step. But here’s an overview to help you know what to expect.
Choosing Your Movie
The Redbox kiosks only carry a limited selection of titles, and the majority of these films tend to be newer ones. When you first approach the kiosk, it should have on-screen buttons that allow you to either rent a movie or return a movie. So to rent a movie, you choose that option. You can browse the titles in alphabetical order or by genre. Clicking a title usually brings up the movie’s maturity rating (G, PG, PG-13, and so on) and a short summary of the plot or content.
When you find the movie rentals you want, add them to your cart. When you’re finished, select checkout. This part of the process works similar to when you buy something online.
Checking Out at Redbox Kiosks
You must have a credit card to check out at Redbox kiosks. This may be a drawback of the Redbox service, but it’s the only way they can charge you additional fees if you keep the movie longer than one night. You do have this option, for an additional $1 for each night you keep the movie. No late fees apply. Of course, if you keep the movie too long, they assume you are not returning it, and they will charge you a replacement fee for the DVD.
Using credit cards also allows them to quickly track your history if you have a problem. (See my review of their customer service for more information on how they handle a problem.)
After you swipe your credit card in the machine, it will pop your DVD out the side.
Returning Your Automated Movie Rentals
In the locations I have used, I had to return my movie rentals by 9:00 p.m. the next day to be considered a one-day rental.
When you return your DVDs to Redbox kiosks, choose the button on the beginning screen that says to return a movie. You will not have to swipe your card again. Make sure the bar code on the disc faces the correct direction. The plastic DVD case should show you which side the bar code should face and which way you insert the case into the machine. Gently slide the case into the same chute that vended your movie. The screen should display a confirmation message that your movie rentals have been returned.
If you sign up your e-mail on the Redbox site or at the kiosk, you can also receive receipts and confirmation messages by e-mail for each movie you rent. I have used this service and have not received any advertising or other messages from the company.
